Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Tucson, AZ

Being kids, there is so much they lose control over.  We as parents take away many of their choices, not a bad thing in itself, we do it for their best interest.  However, they are always looking for ways to be in charge of themselves and this creates a power struggle.  In the grand scheme of things, it is probably the smallest things (to us) that matter the most (to them).

 

Freedom to move.  Young kids have so much energy.  I wish I had any amount of money for every time someone 30 and older has watched my boys play and run and said, "If only we could bottle and sell that kind of energy."  I would be rich!  Soon enough the kids will be expected to sit as desks and be still for far too long, so let them run now. 

 

Freedom to imagine.  They don't need a lot of props and scripts.  A box or laundry basket will suffice plus maybe a paper towel tube. 

 

Freedom to get messy.  Break out the finger paints and play-dough.  Create a safe place for them to be creative with messy medias.

 

Freedom to be alone.  All kids (and adults) need some time to themselves.  In their early years most of their alone time comes during night time and naps.  As they get older they still need time to be quiet by themselves even after they out grow naps.  Giving them a chance to be content on their own terms with puzzles, books, or even a cartoon lets their bodies and minds recharge.

 

Freedom to follow a routine.  I know that freedom and routine do not always go hand in hand.  Our young kids thrive on a routine.  When we spend our days trying to make every day special and unique, they can get dysregulated.  Have some special days, but they will be more special if they are surrounded by regular days.

 

Most of all, let's just give our kids the freedom to be themselves.  They are like no other, not even their siblings, embrace it.